Nicoll Receives Julius Axelrod Prize

Nov 12, 2011

For immediate release.

NICOLL RECEIVES JULIUS AXELROD PRIZE

Scientist recognized for distinguished achievements and exemplary efforts in mentoring

Washington — The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) awarded the Julius Axelrod Prize to Roger Nicoll, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco, during Neuroscience 2011, the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. The prize recognizes exceptional achievements in neuropharmacology or a related field and exemplary efforts in mentoring young scientists. It is supported by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation and includes a $25,000 award.

“Dr. Nicoll has made remarkable contributions to the field's understanding of how the brain transmits and stores information,” said Susan G. Amara, PhD, president of SfN. “In addition to scientific excellence, Dr. Nicoll is recognized for the guidance he continues to provide to upcoming researchers.”

Nicoll has made several groundbreaking contributions to the field’s understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission, learning, and memory. He played a central role in determining the mechanism underlying long-term potentiation, the cellular basis of learning and memory. Nicoll’s work challenged classical models of neurotransmission, revealing that brain chemicals can “spill over” and affect nearby brain cells.

Throughout his career of more than 40 years, Nicoll has also served as an outstanding mentor to many young scientists who have achieved great success in key positions throughout the world. He earned his medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and is currently a professor at the University of California, San Francisco.

Julius Axelrod was a long-time member of SfN and shared the 1970 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the actions of neurotransmitters in regulating the metabolism of the nervous system. His well-known work on brain chemistry led to current treatments for depression and anxiety disorders and played a key role in the discovery of the pain-relieving properties of acetaminophen. Throughout his career, Axelrod mentored dozens of young scientists, many of whom have gone on to have distinguished careers in neuroscience and pharmacology. He died in 2004 at age 92.

The Society for Neuroscience is an organization of more than 41,000 researchers and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system.